The Upcycled Garden: Garden Art 2023 - Painted Glass Jars & Bottles

All artwork & photos by Laura Beth Love - this blog post may contain affiliate links 

It's that time of year again! Thank goodness! Let's get out our recycled items and craft supplies and think about what we can make to accentuate our gardens and outdoor spaces.

I love a garden with lots of shine and color! 

A few years ago I did a blog post about using old glassware in and around the garden. This time I'm taking it in a little bit of a different direction - by adding some simple paint designs to old glassware; jars, bottles, mason jars, that kind of thing...I hope you like them!

There are a few different types of paint that you can use for this. You can use acrylic paint, or you can use enamel paint...I gravitate towards acrylic just due to the fact that there are so many colors to choose from and nowadays the formulations are so much more outdoor-friendly than they were years ago. 

You don't have to be an artist or great painter to do this, just play!

With some simple supplies (I'll share some links to supplies below to get you started) and just a few simple strokes you can create your own beautiful, one of a kind painted glassware.

And the best part of it all? The canvases are free! Use any old glass containers that you like. I love vintage ones the best, they just have that little extra something that makes them so unique and beautiful. So gather your glassware! If you don't have any, ask friends or family members for old pieces and also be sure to check your local thrift stores - I find tons of glassware at mine. 

Before you begin you will want to first  soak off any labels. Remove any stubborn glue or adhesive residue with acetone. 

Wash your bottles thoroughly and dry. Now your canvases are ready for paint!

Follow any manufacturer's directions for your paints. Once you've finished painting, allow your designs to completely dry (I do 24 hours) and then it's a good idea to spray them with a sealer. You can use a brush-on type if you prefer that to a spray. Below are some recommendations for products I like to get you started.

You can use these painted pieces indoors or outdoors - but if you are using them outdoors be sure to seal them and I would also protect them from any harsh weather and too much direct sunlight.

I hope you enjoyed this post and are inspired to create! I'll leave you now so you can get started planning your garden and your next project - Happy spring! 

~ Laura

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Article copyright ©Laura Beth Love 2023 and may not be republished in print or other media without express written permission from the author. For any link updates or corrections leave correct info in comment area

Creative Things To Make With Old Crystal & Glassware

Glass flower vases, candy dishes, crystal salad bowls, candle sticks, even old glass light fixtures - yes, I'm talking glassware!

You know, that pretty glassware and crystal that tends to pile up after a while but you just sort of don't want to throw it away.

 Maybe you've inherited some pieces from great aunt so-and-so. 

Or maybe you tend to gravitate toward the glassware end of the thrift store. (Really, I'm hopin' your man is sending you flowers at a rate where those vases are just piling up and you don't know what to do with them all!) Anyway, no matter how you've accrued them, sometimes this type of glassware can accumulate in your home until you find yourself looking for storage space for these extra pieces. 

Well guess what? Today I'm going to share with you some awesome ideas for ways that you can upcycle that old glassware into something new for your home. Check it out!

Cute project using punch glasses by Just Bee 'n Me

Elegant light fixtures (above and below) made from decanters by Lee Broom
via A Chair In A Room

This garden birdbath was made with an old light fixture

Here's a similar piece that uses an old lamp base and light fixture for a birdbath

Bowl lights by BootsNGus via Etsy

Wrap the lips of old globe light fixtures with wire and use them to hold candles or for organization

Milk glass garden art by Hayseed Homemakin'

Repurposed light fixture hanging planter or bird feeder by ARTfulSalvage via Etsy

Teacup and vase bird feeders made by Amanda Cunningham

Upcycled vintage Anchor Hocking Fire King fruit bowl pendant light by BootsNGus via Etsy

Hanging candle holders made from old globe lights DIY by Tattered Style

Which is your favorite?

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Laura

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Article and images copyright ©Laura Beth Love 2023 and may not be republished in print or other media without express written permission from the author.

Swanky Spray Paint Transformations

Ok, time for a cool post!
Spray paint transformations! 
Yes, that's fun things you can do with spray paint to transform an object and give it an entirely new look.
 Awesome? Of course it is! 

First off - are you the type of person who walks right past the old glassware and knickknack figurines at a flea market or at the thrift shop without giving them a second glance? Check out these photos below and I promise you won't ever look at those things the same way again...

This cute dish was made by Morena from plastic & glass dollar store finds and silver spray paint (above and below)

 Check out the DIY here

Wood plaques + dollar store figurines + glue + spray paint = awesome




The ever popular spray painted mason jars

Spray painted canning mason jars

...These shells, by Chic Done Cheap, are spray painted

Spray painted wooden bangle bracelets by Vozclothingandart via Etsy

This one is a GREAT craft for the kids - first, you spray paint a wreath entirely white, then once it is dry, give the kids some colorful kid-safe acrylic paints and brushes and let them go to town adding color as they please. This is a great way to encourage creativity and teach color coordination. Encourage them to experiment!





I've seen lots of these old chandeliers redone in many different colors, but I like this red one by justlaine




Before and after Birdbath by Mamaroots. I'd love one in purple or red!




The same goes with garden furniture. Again, love!

Awesome adjustable spray paint swivel lamp made by Weasel Works via Etsy

What color would YOU paint this?

How to do it? Click here for some quick tips on how to use spray paint


What do you think?

Have you ever done a spray paint transformation?

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